FACE-OFF | PJM

Chapter 7

Jungkook rubbed the back of his head and smiled, unable to suppress a chuckle at the persistence of this unexpected advice. He bid Lisa goodnight and left her in the capable hands of her staff, his thoughts filled with a newfound perspective on his own life.

Taehyung couldn't locate the key in Krystal's bag, so he decided to ring the doorbell. It was late, and he felt a bit guilty about potentially waking up her parents.

Krystal's father appeared at the door, carrying his daughter in his arms. "Taehyung, Krystal... Is she drunk?"

Taehyung nodded, feeling somewhat sheepish. "We had dinner with Y/N and her family, and then we went to karaoke. She had a bit to drink."

Krystal's mother, who had also come to the door, offered, "Taehyungie, come inside, and we can have some tea."

Taehyung, mindful of the late hour and the fact that he had work the next day, politely declined. "It's okay, Auntie. It's late, and I need to go to work tomorrow."

"Alright, but please be careful on your way home," Krystal's mother advised. "The weather is cold due to the rain all day. Take care not to catch the flu."

As Taehyung bid his goodbye, they noticed him draping his coat over Krystal's head to shield her from the rain since they didn't have an umbrella. His gentle gestures touched Krystal's parents, and her mother said, "Thank you, Auntie. I will."

Taehyung accepted the coat back and made his way home, his heart warmed by the care and concern shown by Krystal's family.

Krystal woke up and decided to call Taehyung. He was taken by surprise and turned his body to face her as she approached him, wrapping her arms around him in a hug. Taehyung stiffened momentarily, not expecting this sudden affection. Her parents, who had witnessed the exchange, exchanged smiles, happy for their daughter.

"Good night," Krystal said softly as she released him.

Taehyung smiled warmly. "Good night."

Her parents embraced her, and together, they watched Taehyung get into the taxi before returning inside their home. It had been an eventful evening, and they were content that their daughter had someone who cared for her so deeply.

Seulgi sat in the car, a cigarette in hand, casting a scrutinizing glance at the man beside her. "Mr. Lee," she began, her tone contemplative, "you seem to have let your wife go rather easily. That's not quite characteristic of you."

Taemin's car was discreetly parked on a different corner near Krystal's house. Seulgi had initially paid Taemin a visit tonight, but she hadn't anticipated that he would remain silent, choosing instead to drive them to this location to observe the unfolding events. They had been watching for some time now, and Seulgi couldn't help but wonder what Taemin was thinking.

"Kim Taehyung must be devising ways to help Jimin in his quest to defeat you," Seulgi mused, her fingers idly toying with her cigarette. "Once that happens, Taehyung can openly be with her. Don't you agree, Mr. Lee?"

Taemin's eyes darkened as he shifted his gaze to meet hers. "I must admit, I didn't anticipate your intellectual growth over the past two years. How else could you have won your husband's affections? It seems you've developed a knack for reading situations."

Seulgi offered a wry smile. "I've already talked to my husband about our shared objective. I hope, Mr. Lee, that you'll consider joining forces with us. After all, our goals align perfectly. Why not cooperate?"

"You're absolutely right," Taemin concurred, his expression thoughtful. "Our goals do align. There's no reason for us not to collaborate. I'll contact Mr. Manobal tonight."

Their pact was sealed as two individuals with their own agendas found common ground in their pursuit of a mutual objective.

Seulgi leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper as she spoke into Taemin's ear. "Mr. Lee, I actually have a way to help you," she murmured.

Taemin's eyes narrowed, suspicion etched across his face. "Ms. Kang, after all these years, you're still attempting that same old trick? If Jimin were to reconcile with Lisa, wouldn't that pose an even greater threat to me?"

The idea of Jimin and Lisa rekindling their relationship had Taemin concerned. If they were to reunite, it would only strengthen Jimin's position and influence within Manobal International Inc., potentially allowing him to gain full control.

However, Seulgi continued to smile confidently. "Mr. Lee, haven't you considered the possibilities? Jimin's love for Y/N is well-known, perhaps even to an excessive degree. Despite their two-year separation, their connection remains unbreakable. But if a certain something were to happen, given Y/N's character, she might not be able to bear it. What do you think would occur then?" She paused for emphasis. "Jimin would find himself preoccupied with managing his relationship with Y/N, leaving him with little time or energy to focus on opposing you. You'd be free to pursue your own objectives."

Taemin fell into a contemplative silence, absentmindedly toying with a ring on his finger. After a moment, he looked back at Seulgi. "And what's in it for you?"